Regular exercise cuts the risk of more than 20 illnesses. The chance of major diseases, including colon cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and stroke are all reduced with weekly exercise, say researchers.
In a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice they said: "Apart from not smoking, being physically
active is the most powerful lifestyle choice an individual can make for improved health outcomes."
Researcher Leslie Alford from the school of physiotherapy at the University of East Anglia, reviewed 40 papers on the issue published over the past four years.
"The literature reviewed shows that how long people live and how healthy they are depends on a complex mix of factors, including their lifestyle, where they live - and even luck."
"Individuals have an element of control over some of these factors, including obesity, diet, smoking and physical activity. Although the focus of my study was on men's health, the messages on physical activity are relevant to both sexes and all ages."
The review found that it was never too late to start taking exercise, with older people seeing benefits from regular activity.
Guidelines are that people should aim for 150 minutes a week of moderately intense physical activity, such as brisk walking for 30 minutes five days a week.
Those who undertook more vigorous exercise, such as jogging, can do 20 minutes three days a week.
A combination of moderate and vigorous exercise can be used to meet the guidelines.
